Betty J. Spitser

Betty June (McKinsey) Spitser, 94, of Pawnee City, Nebraska, passed away peacefully in Anacortes, Washington on March 23, 2026.  She was born June 24, 1931, in Verdon NE and was the fifth of eight children born to G.W. and Hazel (Goolsby) McKinsey.  After graduating from high school at age 16, she attended Peru State College. Upon receiving her teaching certificate, Betty taught at a local rural school until her marriage to Clifford Spitser on May 20, 1951. 

Betty and Cliff were married 64 years. They farmed throughout their marriage; the first five years on a farm south of Verdon, and the remainder on the farm south of Pawnee City. They had two sons, Lawrence (Larry) and Kevin Spitser.  After her marriage, Betty worked for a short time at the Campbell's Soup Company and later for many years at the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital.

Betty was active in The First Christian Church of Pawnee City, was an accomplished quilter, an ardent reader, and an avid fan of Nebraska’s Women’s College Volleyball team. Most of all, she cherished her time with family and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Clifford, son Kevin, and siblings Roland, Raymond, Mary, George, Dean, and Bill.

Betty is survived by one brother, Charles McKinsey, sisters-in-law, Marilyn McKinsey and Pearl Schulenberg, one son, Lawrence (Cathi) Spitser, four grandchildren: Kirsten (Jeff) Swanson, Tracy (Tony) Lollmann, Azure Edwards, and Scott (Sarah) Spitser, as well as nine great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026 at the First Christian/United Presbyterian Church in Pawnee City, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating. 

Visitation will be held Friday, April 3, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m.

Interment will be in the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

The family is deeply grateful for the exceptional hospice care provided to Betty.  As a way to honor her memory, consider donating to a local Hospice Care or the Pawnee City Library.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

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